Collapsed mining site: FG to enforce insurance policy for mining workers, says Alake

Dele Alake, the minister of solid minerals development, says the federal government will enforce an insurance scheme for mine workers in Nigeria.

On June 3, a mining site at the Galadima Kogo community under Shiroro LGA in Niger State collapsed after a heavy downpour, trapping more than 20 workers.

Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to Dele Alake, said seven workers were rescued, while about 14 people were still trapped.

On Thursday, the Niger police state command said a lack of equipment and heavy rocks stalled the rescue of the remaining workers trapped in the mining pit.

During a condolence visit to Umar Bago, governor of Niger, on Friday, Alake said the insurance policies would enhance safety measures and relief for miners in the event of accidents.

“I bring the condolences and sympathies of Mr. President to the families of victims, those injured, the entire community, and the government and people of Niger state on the mine pit collapse. It is unfortunate and avoidable,” the statement reads.

“Though we learned the disaster was due to heavy downpours, we are committed to intensifying the monitoring of mining operations to ensure conformity to environmental standards.”

The minister said the government will no longer encourage irresponsible mining operations that pose threats to the environment and communities.

“We must also put in place contingency plans to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on mining sites. For instance, making the installation of support pillars under shafts mandatory. This practice is common in other countries,” he said.

On his part, Bago said there is a need for a concerted effort between the federal government and sub-nationals to ensure mining companies comply with safety standards.

The governor advocated for the strengthening of collaborative measures to enhance periodic monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of mining operations to minimize recurrence of such incident.

Citing the preponderance of commercially viable critical minerals in the state, Bago appealed to the federal government to focus on making the state the pivot for developing the nation’s mining sector.

He accompanied the minister to visit recuperating victims of the collapsed site at IBB Specialist Hospital and announced a donation of N50 million to assist affected patients and families on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.